A dental hygienist is an oral health professional who works in collaboration with a dentist to prevent and treat oral diseases, including gum problems, cavities and other mouth-related disorders.
Here are some key aspects of the role of a dental hygienist:
Oral Health Assessment: Dental hygienists perform comprehensive evaluations of a patient's oral health, including examining the teeth and gums, taking X-rays, and looking for signs of oral disease or abnormalities.
Dental Cleanings: One of their main responsibilities is to perform dental cleanings (prophylaxis) to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth. This helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Education: Dental hygienists educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing, flossing, and diet. They provide guidance on how to maintain good oral health and prevent dental problems.
Tartar Removal and Root Planing: In cases of advanced gum disease (periodontitis), dental hygienists may perform scaling and root planing procedures to clean below the gum line and aid in treatment.
Topical Fluoride Application: Dental hygienists often apply fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Taking Dental Impressions: They may take impressions of patients' teeth to create dental devices such as mouth guards or braces.
Assistance in Dental Procedures: Dental hygienists assist the dentists during various dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, and extractions.
Patient Records: They keep detailed patient records, including oral health assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes.
Radiography: Dental hygienists are trained to take dental x-rays, which are critical to diagnosing dental problems that are not visible during a regular dental exam.
Health Promotion: They play a vital role in promoting overall health by emphasizing the importance of oral health in relation to systemic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
To become a dental hygienist, you typically complete a dental hygiene program accredited by the appropriate authorities and obtain a license to practice. Dental hygienists are valuable members of the dental team, contributing to the oral health and overall well-being of their patients.
